How to Pitch a Movie Script

Prepare for the pitch meeting.

In baseball, the pitch begins the action. The same is true for a movie "pitch," a brief story summary that grabs attention. It gives enough details about the main characters, plot and conflict to generate interest. Its purpose is to sell the movie idea to a producer. Knowing what to say and how to say it are valuable skills every screenwriter should learn. Mastering the fundamentals of successful pitching is the first step in selling the movie idea.

Things You'll Need

• "One sheet" with synopsis and story image

Instructions

1. According to Bonnie Orr, screenwriter and producer, bring three ideas to pitch in the genre of that studio. Read the studio's website for its films before the meeting. Research the producer in charge to discover her likes and dislikes. Do not pitch comedy ideas to a company that produces action films or pitch a big budget idea to a film company that makes low-budget movies.

2. Create a five- to 10-minute pitch. Begin with two or three sentences encapsulating the title, genre and action/conflict. Introduce the main characters, hero and villain, and their goals. Reveal the incident that creates the main conflict. Explain how and why the event forces the hero into action. Discuss the obstacles the hero must overcome. Describe the climax between the hero and villain and its outcome. End with the story's unique aspects. Prepare a shorter one-minute pitch and a 30-second pitch, too. Use action words and present tense only. Practice the pitch aloud to sound conversational.

3. Put together your "one sheet." This consists of a longer synopsis of your script with your contact information and an image that illustrates a possible marketing idea; it should fit on one sheet of paper. Make several copies.

4. In the meeting, speak slowly and clearly. Know the story well enough to speak without notes. Pitch to everyone in the room. Make constant eye contact. Act enthusiastic and professional.

5. Avoid revealing too many subplots or minor characters. Do not mention specific actors or casting choices. Compare your idea only to successful films in the same genre within the last three to five years.

6. Provide copies of your "one sheet" and follow up several days after the meeting with a call.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear the official "Hollywood" uniform to the meeting--black. Do not wear a suit or jeans. Dress professionally in black pants or a skirt with a plain black shirt or sweater.

References

• Bobbie Orr, screenwriter and producer; Los Angeles, Calif.
• Aubrey Horton, script consultant; Portland, Ore.
• "Screenwriting for Dummies--2nd Edition"; Laura Schellhardt; 2008